Washing machine and fluid control system



Aug. 19, 1958 H. E. MORRISON ET AL 2,847,844

WASHING MACHINE AND FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed June 28. 1947 y 5 5%; rm/M ,7: 0 22 M 0 i2 o W .x EMMe VZW E 2 A g- 1958 H. E. MORRISON ET AL 2,847,844

WASHING MACHINE AND FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM Original Filed June 28, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 19, 1958 H. E. MORRISON ET AL 2,847,844

WASHING MACHINE AND FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed June 28, 1947 H .ITZVE'IZiUFE g MOFIASO)? F6116) Eduard 62/4/70 Aug. 19, 1958 H. E. MORRISON ET AL 2,847,344

WASHING MACHINE AND FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM Original Filed June 28, 1947 '7' Sheets-Sheet 4 fizvarztsrs Hare/d E. Marm son P624 [CL/Mm! MA Lfier E/nyer Aug. 19, 1958 H. E. MQRRISON ET AL WASHING MACHINE AND FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed June 28, 1947 Q F IM E I Qra/c/ Mark/sun 6 4 Zaffier @nyer f 'J'wwwitz' zz' Refer Edaa d ge/a fi g- 1953 H. E. MdRmsoN ETAL 2,847,844

WASHING MACHINE AND FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM Original Filed June 28, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 3* Q fizvani 7175 1958 H. E. MORRISON ETAL 2,847,844

WASHING MACHINE AND FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM Original Filed June 28, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 United States atent O M WASHING MACHINE AND FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM Harold E. Morrison and Peter Eduard Geldhof, Benton Harbor, and Luther Ringer, St. Joseph, Mich, assignors, by mesne assignments, to Whiripooi Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Original application June 28, 1947, Serial No. 757,352, now Patent No. 2,662,384, dated December 15, 1953. Divided and this application December 9, 1953, Serial No. 397,184

9 Claims. or. 68-12) This invention relates to a washing machine and fluid control system and, more particularly, to a washing machine and fiuid control system which is automatic in operation.

in automatic washing machines of the class and size usually employed in the home, suitable means is provided for washing, rinsing and drying the clothes. To perform this cycle of operation automatically, control mechanism is provided for filling the tub with water of desired temperature, washing the clothes by agitating them in the tub for a preselected period of time, emptying the tub of sudsy wash water, refilling the tub with clear rinse water of predetermined temperature, agitating the clothes in the rinse water, emptying the tub again, and finally centrifugally extracting the water from the clothes.

Such a varied series of operation of necessity requires a complicated timer and control mechanism. It furthermore does not readily lend itself to variations in the cycle of operation after the cycle of operation has cornmenced.

It is one of the principal objects and features of the present invention to provide a novel washing machine and fluid control system.

It is a further object of the present invention to pro vide a novel fluid system including a plurality of lines for conducting fluids of different temperatures and electrical means to operate control valves for such conduits and to control the temperature of the water delivered therefrom to a common outlet.

Another and further object of the present invention is to provide novel control mechanism for an automatic washing machine.

Another and further object of the present invention is to provide a greatly simplified means for operating a washing machine and for supplying and controlling the supply of fluid to a washing machine.

Another and still further object of the present inven' tion is to provide a novel cycle of operation for a washing machine and for a fluid control system.

The novel features which we believe to be characteristic of our invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. Our invention itself, however, both as to its organization, manner of construction and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a plan view of a washing machine positioned in front of a pair of laundry tubs;

Figure 2 is an elevation view of an automatic washing machine with the cabinet removed and with certain of the elements of the machine broken away;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the 2,847,844 Patented Aug. 19, 1958 ICC line IIIlII of Figure 2, and showing in particular the drive mechanism of the automatic washing machine;

Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view of the two-way valve mechanism;

Figure 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electrical control circuit of the washing machine shown in Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary diagrammatic: view showing a modified form of control actuating mechanism;

Figure 7 is a schematic wiring diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic sketch illustrating the successive steps in the cycle of operation of the automatic Washing machine as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and particularly represents the indicating plate on the timer mechanism;

Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in that it shows a modified form of the arrangement of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a chart of the engagement of the cam switch stationary contacts of the machine as a function of time;

Figure 11 represents a plan view of a transmission unit with the cover removed showing a gear crank and segment drive mechanism for effecting a reciprocating motion of a shaft included in the machine;

Figure 12 is a side elevation view of a selective mechanism for actuating a part of the machine as taken on line 12-12 of Figure 3; and

Figure 13 is a vertical section view taken on line 13-13 of Figure 3 showing a reciprocating portion of the control mechanism.

This application is a division of our copending application, U. S. Serial No. 757,852, entitled Washing Machine Control Mechanism, filed June 28, 1947, which issued as Patent No. 2,662,384, on December 15, 1953.

Referring first to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is illustrated therein an automatic Washing machine 1'0 positioned alongside of a pair of laundry tubs 11 and 12. The laundry tubs 11 and 12 are in the form of a single unit with a central partition 13 asis the usual case with laundry tubs found in homes today. The laundry tub 11 is shown as being provided with a stopper 14 in its drain, while the tub 12 is shown as being provided with an open drain 15, thus enabling the tub 11 to be used as a storage container for suds water from the automatic washing machine 10, while the tub 12 is merely a collecting basin by which fluid discharged from the washing machine 10 may pass on directly down the drain 15. The tub 11 is connected with the automatic Washing machine ltl by means of a hose 16, while the tub 12 receives water discharged through the hose 17 from the automatic washing machine 10. The hose 16 extends over the edge of the tub 11 and hangs down to a point in close proximity to the bottom of the tub 11, while the hose 17 may be of any convenient length since the water discharged therethrough merely passes on down the drain 15.

The automatic washing machine 10 is provided with a top door or cover 18 which may be raised to obtain access to the clothes container within the machine.

Two control knobs 19 and 20 are mounted on the top of the washing machine 10, knob 19 being the knob at the end of the timer shaft (an enlarged view of which in conjunction with its associated dial being shown in Figure 8). The knob 20 is connected with the automatic temperature control mixer valve presently to be referred to, and is arranged to control the temperature settings of the mixer valve.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, there is illustrated in detail therein the automatic washing machine 10 of Figure l, and as shown, includes a tub 21 which is mounted on a sub-base 22 carried on the main supporting frame 23 of the washing machine. Mounted within the tub 21 is a basket 24 which is arranged to be rotated at relatively high speeds at selected times during the cycle of operation. Mounted concentrically within the basket is an agitator which is arranged to be oscillated back and forth about a vertical axis at selected times during the cycle of operation of the washing machine.

The basket 24 is rotated, and the agitator 25 is oscillated through a transmission unit 26 from an electric motor 27. The transmission mechanism 26 and the motor 27 are mounted below the sub-base 22. Water is introduced into the tub 21 from hot and cold water supply pipes 28 and 29. (see Figures 1 and 3) through an automatic temperature controlled mixer valve 3d mounted on the frame 23 and through a hose or con duit 31 which conducts water of predetermined temperature into the top of the tub 21. Water is drained from the tub 21 through a sump 32 and a hose 192 by means of a pump 33 to a second pump and reservoir, as described subsequently, from which the water is transmitted through a hose or conduit 34 to a two-way valve 35 (Figures 2 and 4) where it is selectively passed through either a port 36 which communicates with the storage tub 11 through hose 16, or a port 37 which connects with the drain 15 in the tub 12.

Interposed in the discharge line 191 of the pump 33 is a second pump 3% and a priming tank or reservoir 39. Sudsy water may be returned from storage tub 11 to the tub 21 through the port 36 of the two-way valve 35 upon energization of the solenoid 40 of the two-way valve 35 and upon operation of the pump 38, the reservoir 39 being used to prime the pump 38.

The operation of the two-way valve 35 is under t.e control of a solenoid 40 and is so arranged that the port 36 is closed by the valve portion 41 of the diaphragm 42 and the port 37 is opened when the solenoid 40 is deenergized, the valve actuating arm 44 being biased by spring 45 to this position. The port 36 is opened and the port 37 is closed by the valve portion 43 of the diaphragm 42 when the solenoid 40 is energized.

A float chamber 46 in the form of a standpipe is disposed alongside of the tub 21, and two floats 47 and 43 are mounted within the float chamber 46. The float chamber 46 is in direct communication with the tub 21 through a cross-connecting pipe 49 which extends between the lower end of the float chamber 46 and the sump 32 which depends from the bottom of the tub 21.

The mechanical drive mechanism of the washing machine will best be understood from an inspection of Figure 3 of the drawings. More particularly, the motor 27 is mounted in a bracket which is carried on the main frame 23 of the washing machine. The transmission unit 26 is mounted below the snbbase 22 by means of a plurality of depending hangers 64. The rotating drive shaft 51 of the motor 27 projects up through the bracket 50 and has a drive pulley 52 mounted thereon. An endless belt 53 extends around the drive pulley 52 and around two relatively large pulleys 54 and 55.

The large drive pulley 54 is mounted on the drive shaft 56 of the gear case 26 and is arranged to change the rotational movement of the driven member 54 into oscillatory movement of the agitator shaft 57, upon which the agitator 25 is mounted in any suitable manner. This may be done, for example, as described in the copending application of Peter Eduard Geldhof and Luther Ringer entitled Automatic Washing, Rinsing and Drying Machine, U. S. Serial No. 491,619, filed June 21, 1943, which issued as Patent No. 2,521,159 on September 5, 1950, and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. The transmission mechanism for effecting such oscillatory movement is shown in Figure 11. A pinion 56a at the end of shaft 56 in the gear casing 26 engages and rotates a spur gear 561;. The spur gear 56b in turn drives a connecting rod 560 which is concentrically connected thereto as well as to a point in close proximity to an arcuate toothed edge 76b of a fan shaped segment gear 76a mounted on the end of shaft 76, also in casing 26. Thus, rotation of shaft 56 causes rotary oscillatory motion of shaft 76 by reason of the reciprocating motion imparted to crank arm 56c. The tooth edge 76b of fan shaped segment gear 76a engages a pinion gear 57d mounted on shaft 57. Since the segment 76a reciprocates back and forth along with the crank arm 56c, it imparts an oscillatory motion to pinion gear 57a and consequently the agitator shaft 57 as well.

The driven member pulley 55 which is driven by the elt 53 is arranged to rotate the basket 24 through a direct drive connection effected by the clutch plate 58 (Figure 2) which is disengaged by raising the clutch plate yoke 59 and engaged by lowering the plate 59. The plate 59 is arranged for limited angular movement about a pivot point (not shown) at the left-hand end of the plate, and by the raising and lowering action of the right-hand end of the plate under the influence of the vertically movable rod 60.

The clutch plate 58 (which is concentric with the agitator shaft 57 and through which the agitator shaft 57 freely extends) is in direct driving engagement with the basket 24. The details of this direct connection are not illustrated, since they form no part of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, the drive belt 53 is in direct engagement with the drive pulley 52 and the driven pulleys 54 and S5, and hence, the drive pulleys 54 and 55 are rotating at all times that the motor shaft 51 is rotating.

There is a third driven member or pulley 61, however, which is directly secured to the impeller shaft 62 of the pump 33 which is normally slightly out of direct engagement with the drive belt 53, and under normal circumstances is, therefore, not driven by the drive belt 53. The belt 53 is arranged to be selectively moved into driving engagement with the pump pulley 61 by an idler or pinch roller 63 which also is normally disposed free and clear of the drive belt 53.

The selective control mechanism for forcing the pinch roller 63 into and out of engagement with the belt 53 includes *a pinch roller supporting arm 65 which is mounted for limited angular movement about a cylindrical portion of the post 66. A second arm 67 is also pivotally mounted on the post 66, and a compression spring 68 extending from arms 67 and 65 normally urges the two arms apart, but this is limited by the bolt 69. A third arm 70 is mounted for angular movement on a cylindrical portion of the post 71, and this arm 70 is connected through a link 72 with the arm 67. The arm iii also is pinned to a link 73 which in turn is connected to the right-hand end of the bar 74 of the control mechanism.

This control mechanism is described in the aforesaid application of Peter Eduard Geldhof and Luther Ringer for Automatic \Vashing, Rinsing and Drying Machine, U. S. Serial No. 491,613, filed June 21, I943, and now Patent No. 2,521,159, dated September 5, 1950. Since the details of construction of this control mechanism form no part of the present invention, it will be suflicient to point out that the control mechanism includes, in general, an arm 75 which is mounted on the upright shaft 76 of the transmission unit 26. This upright shaft 76 receives limited oscillatory movement from the rotating drive shaft 56 of the transmission unit as previously described. The arm 75, therefore, oscillates back and forth in a horizontal plane. The degree of oscillation may vary to a considerable extent, but may, by way of example, be through an angle of approximately 60 degrees.

The arm 75 is provided with a pair of solenoids 77 and 78 which are equipped with plungers or armatures '79 and 80 which are arranged to selectively engage the bar 74 and the bar 81, respectively, to move them lengthwise back and forth through a limited distance.

When the solenoid 77 is energized, the next clockwise oscillation of the arm 75 will force the bar 74 to the left as viewed in Figure 3 and Figure 12 of the drawings. This, in turn, will cause the pinch roller 63 to move clear of the endless belt 53 where, in its shown position, it has been forcing the belt 53 into driving engagement with the drive pulley 61 of the pump 33. The relationship of the plunger 79 of the solenoid 77 is such that after the bar 74 has been moved to the left, it will remain in its left-hand position so long as the solenoid 79 is energized, notwithstanding the fact that the arm 75 continues to oscillate back and forth. Deenergization, however, of the solenoid 77 causes the plunger 79 to drop, and the next oscillation of the arm 75 in a counter-clockwise direction will cause return of the control bar 75 to its original position.

The control bar 81 operates in a similar manner to that of control bar 74. Deenergization of the solenoid 78 causes the control bar 81 to move to the right at the next clockwise movement of the oscillating arm 75. Since the control bar 81 is provided with a cam surface 82 in the region where it extends through a slot in the clutch post 60 (see Figure 2), it is apparent that movement of the bar 81 to the right will cause the clutch actuating post 60 to be raised, thereby separating the clutch plate 58 from the drive member 55.

The "bar 74 not only is arranged to operate the pump but also is arranged to control the operation of the agitator 25. More particularly, the right-hand end of the bar 74 adjacent the link 73 is also provided with a cam surface 83 which extends through a slot in a vertically movable post 84 which controls the operation of the agitator.

More particularly, the agitator shaft 57 is placed in driven engagement with the drive shaft 56 of the transmission unit 26 when the post 84 is in its lower position. Thus, movement of the control bar 74 to the right causes disengagement of the agitator shaft 57 from its oscillated driving engagement with the drive shaft 56 whenever the solenoid 77 is deenergized, but at the same time it also causes the pump 33 to be connected. Energization of the solenoid 77 connects the agitator and disconnects the pump.

Referring now to Figure 5 of the drawings, the automatic sequential operation of the washing machine 18 under one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated therein. More particularly, the washing machine 11) is under the control of a program switch unit having a plurality of cam-operated switches 85 to 91 arranged to be actuated by a plurality of cam disks 92 to 98, respectively, all mounted on a cam shaft 99 driven by a synchronous motor 1011. Cam switch 85 is provided with a pair of stationary contacts 101 and 102, and cam switch 91 is also provided with a pair of stationary contacts 103 and 104.

The remaining cam switches 86 to 90 are each provided with single stationary contacts 105 to 109, respectively. The cam shaft 99 is also provided with a bridging contact 110 which rotates with the shaft 99 and normally rides in engagement with the two stationary contacts 111 and 112 to close an electrical circuit thereacross. Bridging contact 110 opens the entire control circuit when the cam shaft 99 is shifted axially by lifting up the control knob 19 on the top of the washing machine (which is movement of the control knob 19 to the right as viewed in Figure 5).

The control knob 19 may also be advanced in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 1 of the drawings, which is the same direction as that which the synchronous motor drives the cam shaft 99 (counterclockwise as viewed in Figure 5 of the drawings).

Energy is supplied to the control circuit through a pair of power supply conductors 113 and 114 which may be connected, by way of example, to the normal outlet plug in a home (having the normal 110 to 120 volt A. C. 60-

' upper float t? is positioned at the normal maximum water or fluid level to which the tub 21 is to be filled, while the float 48 is positioned at a level corresponding to the bottom of the tub 21.

Float switch is provided with upper and lower con tests 122 and 123. Float switch 121 is provided with upper and lower contacts 124 and 125.

In addition to the float switches 120 and 121 and the cam switches 85 to 91, there is also provided a pair of temperature-selection switches 126 and 127 which are associated with stationary contacts 128 and 129, respectively. These temperature-selection switches 126 and 127 are actuated by cams 130 and 131 mounted on a shaft 132 to which the control knob 20 is secured at the outer end. The cam 130 has a pair of notches 133 and 134, and the cam 131 has a pair of notches and 136. The notches 134 and 135 of the cams 130 and 131 are in line, so that when the shaft 132 is in its position as shown in Figure 5 of the drawings, both switches 126 and 127 are closed. When the shaft is rotated in a clockwise direction from this position, through 90 degrees, the switch 126 is closed, but the switch 127 is opened. Similarly, when the shaft 132 is rotated in the opposite direction through 90 degrees from the position shown in Figure 5, the switch 127 is closed, and the switch 126 is opened.

One of the principal features of the present invention is the provision of a push-button control which gives the operator of the washing machine a control over the water height in the tub 21 (thus taking this function away from the normal control of the upper float 47]. This gives optional selective control of the water height in the tub 21.

This push-button is illustrated at in Figures 1 and 5 of the drawings. The push-button 150 carries a bridging contact 151 which is arranged to bridge stationary contacts 152 and 153. Stationary contact 152 is connected through conductor 154 to one side of a relay coil 155, the other side of the relay coil 155 being connected to the common bus 119. Relay 155 has two .movable contact elements 144 and 156 which are arranged to be positioned, as shown in Figure 5, upon deenergization of the relay coil 155, placing the movable contact 144 into engagement with a stationary contact 145. \Vhen the coil 155 is energized, the movable contacts are raised so as to place contact 144 in engagement with a stationary contact 157, and movable contact 156 in engagement with a stationary contact 158. As indicated by the broken line in Figure 5, this group of elements which is described repre sent the water height control which is one of the features of the present invention.

Some of the solenoids of the control mechanism have already been referred to, such as the pump and agitator control solenoid 77, the extractor solenoid 78, and the two-way valve solenoid 40. In addition to these control solenoids, the mixer valve 30 also includes two solenoids 137 and 138. Solenoid 138 which is labeled Mixed in Figure 5 controls the flow from the mixing chamber of the mixing valve 30 where the hot water from supply pipe 28 is combined with the cold water from supply pipe 29. The temperature of the mixed water is maintained at a predetermined level. The solenoid 137 controls the flow of water from the hot water inlet 28 to the. discharge hose 31, thus by-passing the mixing chamber of the mixer valve 30. When the solenoid 137 is energized, and solenoid 138 is deenergized, only water 7 from the hot water inlet 28 is supplied through the discharge hose 31 into the tub 21.

When both solenoids 137 and 138 are energized, water from the hot water inlet 23 is added to the mixed water from the mixing chamber of the mixer valve 30, thus causing water to flow in the discharge hose 31 which is at a temperature level intermediate the temperature level determined by the mixer valve 30 and the temperature of the hot water inlet 28. The storage water return pump 38 is driven by a motor 139.

As will be apparent from an inspection of Figure of the drawings, one side of the main motor 27, the synchronous motor 100 and the storage water return pump motor 139, as well as one side of each of the solenoids 137, 138, 77, '73 and 40, are connected to the common bus 119. The energization circuit of each of these motors and solenoids is arranged to be closed from the other side of the power supply through the bridging contact 110 of the timer shaft 99.

The particular electrical connections of the control circuit are clearly illustrated in Figure 5 and may be seen by a cursory inspection of this Figure. The particuler connection will be identified by reference numerals as the progressive functional operation of the mechanism continues through a complete cycle of operation.

With the elements as shown in Figure 5, the timer or cycling knob 19 is in the position as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, and is thus in a position where the control knob 19 has just been advanced into the washing stage of the cycle. In advancing the control knob 19 into the washing stage of the cycle of operation, the length of the washing cycle may be varied anywhere up to twenty minutes by simply rotating the knob 19 manually in a clockwise direction (Figure 8) until the pointer 140 stops opposite the indicated time desired for the cycle of washing.

The positions of the cams 92 to 98 are shown in Figure 5 in their positions just after the timer shaft 99 has been moved to the twenty-minute point in the wash stage of the cycle of operation by the control knob 19. The operation is the same irrespective of whether the cams are in the position shown in Figure 5, or whether they have been advanced a little further ahead by the control knob 19 so that the wash cycle is set for some predetermined period less than twenty minutes.

As shown in Figure 5, all three motors 27, 1M and 139 are deenergized as are also the solenoids 77, 78 and 40. The solenoids 137 and 138 of the mixer valve 30, however, are both energized. This energization circuit may be traced from the supply conductor 113, conductor 118, r

bridging contact 116), conductors 141 and 142, float switch 120 through its lower stationary contact 123, conductor 143, lower relay contact 144, stationary contact 145, conductors 146 and 147, cam switches 87 and 89 and thence respectively, through conductors 143 and 149, switches 126 and 127 to the solenoids 137 and 138, respectively. Water is thus supplied to the tub 21 through the hose 31, the water being introduced into the top of the tub 21 through a top shoulder 159 where it falls through the perforations 160 in the top rolled flange 161 of the basket 24.

Assuming that normal operation of the automatic equipment is to be followed, the push-button 150 remains in its upper position, and accordingly, water is supplied to the tub 21 until the upper float 47 is raised closing the float switch 120 against the stationary contact 122. This deenergizes both solenoids 137 and 133, thus shutting off the supply of water to the tub 21.

Of course, prior to the raising of the upper float 47, the lower float 43 is raised when the water first begins to fill the tub 21. This closes the float switch 121 against the upper stationary contact 124, which, for the moment, does nothing since the electric energy can flow through this switch only when either the upper float switch 124) is closed againstits upper contact 122, or when the cam 97 '8 permits the cam switch to close against its associated contact 109. The first change in the operational sequence of steps thus occurs when the upper float 4-7 is raised to shut off the solenoids 137 and 133 as just described. Closing of the upper float switch against the stationary contact 122 now causes power to be supplied to the main motor 27 and the synchronous timer motor 100 from the power supply conductor 113 through conductors 118, 141, 142, 162 and 163. Energization of the main motor 27 completes the driving connection to the transmission unit 26. Energization of the synchronous motor 1% starts advancing the timer shaft 99 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 5 of the drawings.

Since both the lower float 48 and the upper float 47 are raised, power is also supplied to energize the pump and agitator solenoid 77 to thus hold the pinch roller 63 out of engagement with the endless belt 53 and to connect the agitator into driven engagement with the drive shaft 56 of the transmission unit 25. The energization circuit goes from the upper float switch 129 (the manner in which energy is supplied to that point having already been described) and then through conductors 162, lower float switch contact 121 and its associated upper stationary contact 12 i, conductor 16 1, cam switch 86, and conductor 165.

Had it been desired to interrupt the water height at any point short of that determined by the upper float 47 (such as might be occasioned when only a very few items of clothes are to be laundered), it would simply be necessary for the operator to depress the push-button at any time when he observes that some other desired water height had been reached. Depression of the push-button 150 energizes the relay coil through conductors 118, 141, 142, 143, and 1166, cam switch 91, conductor 167, bridging contact 151, and conductor 154, the other side of the coil 155 being connected to the common return conductor 119. Energization of the coil 155 closes movable contact 156 against stationary contact 158, which is a holding contact for causing the coil 155 to remain energized even though the push-button 150 is released so long as the cam switch 91 remains in engagement with its lower stationary contact 1134. Energization of the coil 155 also closes movable contact 144 against its associated stationary contact 157. This causes energization of the pump and agitator control solenoid 77 through conductors 118, 141, 142, 143, movable contact 144., conductor 164, cam switch 86, and the cams 93 and 98 are so arranged that this cycle of operation just described continues until the end of the washing cycle.

In order to indicate the exact time when the various cam switches 35 to 91 close against the stationary contacts 101 to 109, a schedule of the engagement of the cam switch stationary contacts as a function of time is illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings. The cams which are diagrammatically shown in Figure 5 are so cut that the indicated stationary contacts in Figure 10 will be closed during the period indicated in the chart shown in Figure 10.

Returning to Figure 5 of the drawings, it will be remembered that the pump and agitator solenoid 77 is energized through the cam switch 86 and its stationary contact 105 through the stationary contact 1114 of cam switch 91, which is in the circuit of the push-button relay, or else through the stationary contact 105 of cam switch 36 and the upper and lower float switches 121i and 121. The opening of one switch in either of these two circuits, depending upon which circuit is energizing the pump and agitator solenoid 77, will cause deenergization of the same. During part of the time when the circuit is open at the stationary contact 1115 and at the stationary Contact 104, the stationary contact 1&7 is engaged by the cam switch 88 and the stationary contact 109 is engaged by the cam switch 99.

The two-way valve immediately becomes energized when the stationary contact 107 is engaged, but the pump 33 does not start until the solenoid 77 is deenergized by the opening of the cam switch 86. At this time, it will be observed that the main motor 27 continues to be energized, but its energization takes place through conductors 118, 141, cam switch 90 and conductor 163 rather than through the upper float switch or through the relay contact 144. This is also true of the timer motor 100. Thus, deenergization of the pump and agitator solenoid 77 disconnects the agitator shaft 57 from the transmission unit 26, but at the same time, forces the pinch roller 63 against the belt 53 to cause the belt 53 to drive the pump pulley 61.

While the stationary contact 109 is in the circuit of the extractor solenoid 78, it will be noted that lower stationary contact 125 of the lower float 48 is also in this circuit. For that reason, the extractor solenoid does not become energized until the tub 21 is substantially drained of water by the pump 33. Since the two-way valve solenoid 40 is energized during this pumping operation, the soapy Water removed from the tub 21 is passed through the port 36 of the two-way valve 35 to the storage tub 11.

With energization of the extractor solenoid 78, the clutch plate 58 is dropped into engagement with the drive member 55 thus causing the basket 24 to rotate at relatively high speeds. This centrifugally extracts the water from the clothes in the tub. This continues for a period such as that indicated in Figure 10. t will be noted that the two-way valve solenoid 40 is deenergized after three minutes, although the pump continues to operate. This means that any further water drained from the tub 21 will now be discharged through the port 37 of the twoway valve 35 into the tub 12 with the open drain 15 therein.

During the extraction period and immediately after the two-way valve solenoid 40 has been de-energized, a spray rinse is provided for the clothes to remove any soapy accumulation on the clothes or any scum or other foreign material. More particularly, a small amount of water is introduced through the hose 31 which is broken up into fine particles as it passes through the holes 160 in the top of the basket 24 due to the high speed of rotation of the basket 24. This spray rinse is eifected through closure of the cam switch 85 against the stationary contact 102. It will be observed that the stationary contact 102 is in the circuit of the solenoid 138 a which controls the flow of water from the mixing chamber of the mixer valve 30 through the hose 31. When the cam switch 85 drops against the lower stationary contact 102, the solenoid 138 is energized from power conductor 113, through conductors 118, 141, 142, float switch 120 and its stationary contact 123, conductor 143, relay switch 144, conductor 146, cam switch 85 and its stationary contact 102, and conductor 168. It will be observed that while the notch in the cam 92 is such that the cam switch 85 would normally drop into place for a period of one minute (see chart of Figure this action is prevented by a small rotating cam 169 which is driven from the timer motor 100 in any suitable manner, and preferably so that it makes one revolution per minute.

Thus, the cam switch 85 can only drop against this stationary contact 102 during a fractional part of the one minute, and this will be controlled by the fiat portion 170 on the cam 169. This, of course, is desirable since the spray rinse does not require water to be introduced in a volume such as would be occasioned by the energization of the solenoid 138 for the period of a whole minute. At the end of the extractor period, the cam switch 90 is lifted off of the stationary contact 109 which deenergizes the extractor solenoid to interrupt the driving connection from the transmission unit 26 to the basket 24, and at the same time the motors 27 and 100 are deenergized (it being recalled that during the last period they are energized through stationary contact 109). Simultaneously, cam switches 85, 91 and 86 close against their associated 10 stationary contacts 101, 104 and 105, respectively. This commences the deep rinse operation.

The solenoid 138 is energized from conductor 113 through conductors 118, 141 and 142, top float switch 120, conductor 143, relay switch 144, conductor 146, cam switch and its upper associated. contact 101, thence through conductor 168 to the solenoid 138. Energization of this solenoid causes water to be introduced into the tub 21 through the hose 31 and the tub fills with water. Neither the main motor 27 nor the timer motor 100 are energized as yet, since cam switch is open and since the top float switch 20 is still down.

When the tub is tilled with fresh water, the float switches have now raised to their upper position, and the motors 27 and are energized in the same manner as previously described for the wash period. Thus, the clothes are rinsed by the oscillation of the agitator which tumbles the clothes around in the fresh water within the tub 21. If, for any reason, it was desired by the operator of the machine to limit the amount of fresh water introduced into the tub, this is done in the same manner as previously described for the washing cycle by depression of the push-button 150.

This rinse cycle is relatively short, such, for example, as two minutes as indicated in the chart (Figure 10), and thereafter the water is drained from the tub by closure of the cam switch 90 against stationary contact 109 and by opening cam switches 86 and 85. This time, however, the two-way valve solenoid 40 is not energized, and for that reason, the rinse water from the tub is discharged into the tub 12 having the open drain 15 therein.

During this second extraction period, a spray rinse is also effected in the same manner as that described following the washing cycle. At the end of this second extraction period, all of the cam switches are open, and for that reason, the timer stops and all energization circuits in the control mechanism are open. It has been found desirable, however, for the operator to have some means for flushing out the washing machine after the clothes have been removed, and one of the features of the present invention is to provide such an operation without adding additional controls by making the timer and its control knob 19 perform a dual function.

More particularly, after the operator has removed the clothes, the washing machine may be flushed out by manually advancing the timer knob 19 in a clockwise direction through the dead period as indicated in the chart (Figure 10) until the contacts 106, 108 and 109 are closed. Closure of these stationary contacts energizes either solenoid 137 or 138 or both, depending upon the position of the control knob 19, and thus water is introduced into the tub 21. Energization, for example, of the solenoid 137 is from power supply conductor 113 through conductors 118, 141, 142, float switch 120, conductor 143, relay switch 144, conductors 146 and 147, and thence through cam switch 87, conductor 148, switch 126 to solenoid 137.

Due to the fact that the cam switch 90 is closed against the stationary contact 109, and as long as the lower float is in its lower position, the extractor solenoid 78 is also energized which causes the basket to be rotated by the motor 27. The motors 27 and 100 are, of course, energized, due to the fact that the cam switch 90 is closed.

If, for any reason, the water came into the tub too fast so that the lower float is raised, the extractor solenoid would be interrupted so as to disconnect the drive to the basket only until the water was pumped out of the tub. In this connection, it is to be remembered that the pump is always running.

The cycle of operation of the washing machine has now been completed for the first "batch of clothes placed into the machine. If, now, a second batch of clothes is to be placed in the machine, the control knob 19 is turned until the pointer 140 enters the portion of the dial which indicates Suds. It will be recalled that in the first cycle of operation of the machine the soapy water after the first wash was transferred to the storage tub 11. This soapy water is now returned to the tub 21 upon turning of the control knob into the position which is marked Suds.

Upon referring to the chart in Figure 10, it will be observed that this is covered by a manually controlled preliminary period ahead of the point where the washing cycle originally started, and thus ahead of the point which is marked with the numeral 1. Thus, when the knob 19 is turned so that the pointer has just entered the Suds portion of the dial, the cam switches 91, 86 and 88 are moved into engagement with stationary contacts 103, 165 and 187. The closing of switch 88 against contact 107 energizes the two-way valve solenoid 4-0 through conduo tor 193, while the closure of switch 91 against stationary contact 1113 energizes the storage pump motor 139 from power supply conductor 113 through conductors 118, 141, and 142, float switch 120, conductors 143, 16 6, cam switch 91, and conductor 171 to the suds pump motor 139. This causes the suds pump 38 to return the soapy water from the storage tank 11 to the main washing machine tub 21.

If there is more water in the storage tub 11 than is required to fill the tub 21, the upper fio-at 47 raises and opens the circuit of the storage pump motor 139. If, for any reason, there is not sufiicient water in the storage tub 11 to refill the tub 21 and thus cause the upper float 47 to be lifted, it will be observed that immediately upon advancing the control knob into the washing stage, the contacts 106 and 188 are closed which causes additional fresh water to be introduced into the tub 21 in the manner described for the beginning of the original washing cycle. From then on, the cycle repeats itself in the manner already described.

If the storage tub 11 has sufiicient soapy water therein to refill the tub 21 and thus raise the upper float 47, it will be observed that immediately upon raising of the upper float 47, the agitator solenoid '77 is energized through the upper and lower float switches 121 and 121 and the cam switch 8-6.

lt is to be noted that the suds return operation is a manual operation, and when the tub is refilled, the operator advances the control knob into the washing cycle to a point which indicates the length of time which he desires (up to twenty minutes) for the washing cycle. Thus, the movement of the control knob 19 into the suds portion of the dial initiates the operation of refilling the tub with soapy water, but the operation is terminated automatically if the tub reaches the desired height as determined by the upper float 47. If there is not sufilcient water to refill the tub 21, the operator of the machine turns the control knob into the washing cycle and before the timer starts, the balance of the tub is refilled with fresh water in the manner described for the first complete washing cycle.

As has been previously pointed out, the temperature of the fresh water introduced to the tub during the initiation of the washing cycle, as well as during the flushing operation is under control of the temperature control knob 29, and gives the operator a selection of three temperatures. As described hereinbefore, the solenoids 137 and 138 are energized in parallel. When knob 28 is turned to the left, solenoid 137 cannot be energized. When knob 28 is turned to the right, solenoid 138 cannot be energized.

A slight variation in the push-button control described in connection with Figure 5 may be used by having an actuating rod 172 extend through the wall of the housing of the washing machine which may be physically pulled out to close the coil of the relay 155 (Figure 6). After the coil has once been closed, the same type of a holding circuit will hold the relay in as long as the coil 15S remains energized. Any suitable biasing means (not shown) may be employed to return the relay contacts 144 and 156 to their open position upon deenergization of the relay coil 155.

A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 7 of the drawings. Portions of Figure 7 which are similar to portions of Figure 5 have been given the same reference characters.

In the formof the invention shown in Figure 7, the control circuit is provided with all of the functions described in connection with Figure 5, but in addition provides means for having an optional spray rinse at any time while the basket 24 is being rotated. This isprovided for by providing the push-button 158 with two bridging contacts instead of one. More particularly, it has the bridging contact 151 which closes the circuit across the stationary contacts 152 and 153 when the push-button 151i is depressed, and in addition, has a bridging contact 173 which closes the circuit across the stationary contacts 17 1 and 175 when the push-button is depressed.

The stationary contact is connected through a conductor 176 with the hot water supply solenoid 137, while the stationary contact 174' is connected through a conductor 177 with the main energizing conductor 178 of the extractor solenoid 78. Thus, when the push-button 150 is depressed at a time when energy is being fed through the conductor 178 to the extractor solenoid 78, hot water will be introduced into the tub 21. It is to be noted that this water is introduced only so long as the operator continues to hold the push-button 151i depressed.

It will furthermore be noted that this spray of water effected by the depression of the push-button 150 can only occur at a time when energy i being supplied to the extractor solenoid 78. It will thus be seen that in this form of the invention, a single push-button if depressed at a time when the tub 21 is being filled, will interrupt and stop the flow of water to the tub, but if it is depressed at a later point in the cycle of operation, namely, during a time when the basket 24 is rotating at high speed, it will cause water to flow into the tub. This eliminates the number of controls necessary for the operation of the machine and greatly simplifies the operation thereof. The remaining portion of the circuit shown in Figure 7 operates in the same manner as that described in connec tion with Figure 5.

A third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 9 of the drawings. More particularly, an optional spray rinse is provided which is controlled upon movement of the temperature control knob 28. The operating shaft 132 of the temperature control knob 20 in addition to being provided with the cams 131 and 131, is also provided with a cam 179 which has two notches 180 and 181 therein.

These two notches 188 and 181 are located more than ninety degrees to either side of the central position which is the position shown in Figure 9. The cam 179 is associated with a cam switch 182 which is arranged to engage a stationary contact 183 connected through a conductor 184 directly to the solenoid 138 which controls the outflow of water from the mixer valve 30. The movable contact or cam switch 182 is connected through conductor 185 to the conductor 178 in the energization circuit of the extractor solenoid 78.

Also mounted on the shaft 132 is a finger 186 which just engages a spring 187 when the notch 136 is in engagement with the cam follower of the switch 127 and which just engages a spring 188 when the notch 133 is in engagement with the cam follower of the switch 126. The springs 187 and 188 are mounted on stops 189 and 1 90, respectively, which are so positioned that when the springs 187 and 188 are compressed by rotation of the knob 20 to one extreme or the other, the cam follower of the switch 182 just falls into the notch 180 or the notch 181 depending upon whether stop 189 or 190 is reached, respectively.

Closure of the switch 182 thus opens the outlet from the mixer valve 30 due to energization of the solenoid 138 whenever energy is being fed to the extractor solenoid 78. This is under the selective control of the opera tor who rotates the knob 26 in either direction to either of its two extreme positions. Upon release of the knob, the spring 187 or 188 depending which is engaged will cause the finger 186 to move backward until either notch 136 is engaged by the cam follower of the switch 127 or until the notch 133 is engaged by the cam follower of the switch 126. This prevents the operator from accidentally leaving the control knob in a position where neither switch 126 nor 127 is closed.

It will be observed that in Figure 9 only the portion of the circuit adjacent the temperature control switches 126 and 127 has been illustrated, but it is to be under stood that the remaining portion of the complete control mechanism is the same as that shown in Figure 5.

While we have shown several embodiments of our invention, it will, of course, be understood that we do not wish to be limited thereto, since many modifications may be made, and we, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover allsuch modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of our invention.

We claim as our invention:

1. In a fluid system, the combination comprising a pair of fluid supply conduits having fluids of diflerent temperatures therein, a common delivery conduit connected to both of said supply conduits, electrically operable valves in said supply conduits, a master switch, an auxiliary switch, a pair of cam-operated switches connecting said valves respectively through said master switch to a source of energy, a third cam-operated switch connecting one of said valves through said auxiliary switch to said source of energy, and a cam member movable to any one of four positions to close respectively one or the other or both of said pair of cam switches or said third cam switch, whereby flow of fluid through said delivery conduit is normally controlled by said master switch and the temperature of said fluid is controlled by the position of said cam member in its first three positions, and whereby water from said one of said supply conduits may be passed through said delivery conduit upon closure of said auxiliary switch and movement of said cam member to said fourth position.

2. In a fluid system, the combination comprising a pair of fluid supply conduits having fluids of diiterent temperatures therein, a common delivery conduit connected to both of said supply conduits, electrically operable valves in said supply conduits, a master switch, an auxiliary switch, a pair of cam-operated switches con necting said valves respectively through said master switch to a source of energy, a third cam-operated switch connecting one of said valves through said auxiliary switch to said source of energy, and a cam member movable to any one of four positions to close respectively one or the other or both of said pair of cam switches, or said third cam switch, whereby flow of fluid through said delivery conduit is normally controlled by said master switch and the temperature of said fluid is controlled by the position of said cam member in its first three positions, and whereby water from said one of said supply conduits may be passed through said delivery conduit upon closure of said auxiliary switch and movement of said cam member to said fourth position, and spring means for urging said cam member out of said fourth position.

3. In a fluid system, the combination comprising a pair of fluid supply conduits for delivering fluid at two different temperatures, a normally closed valve in each conduit, a common delivery conduit for said valves, a first electrically energized means for opening one of said valves, a second electrically energized means for opening a second of said valves, a separate cam operated switch controlling energization of each of said electrically energized means, a sequence timer having a cam operated switch therein and connected with one of said electrically energized means for effecting a spray rinse at predetermined intervals and a manually operable switch establishing a parallel circuit to one of said electrically energized means and operable in cooperation with said sequence timer to de-energize said one electrically energized means in one condition of operation of said sequence timer and to energize said one electrically energized means to eitect a spray rinse at the will of the operator during another condition of operation of said sequence timer.

4. In a fluid system, the combination comprising a pair of fluid supply conduits for delivering fluid at two different temperatures, a normally closed valve in each conduit, a common delivery conduit for said valve, a first electrically energized means for opening one of said'valves, a second electrically energized means for opening a second of said valves, an energizing circuit for each of said electrically energized means including a cyclic timer having separate cam operated switches therein connected with said electrically energized means,

said cyclic timer also having a third cam operated switch connecting at least one of said valve operating means in one of said energizing circuits, for eflecting a spray rinse and a manually operable switch establishing a parallel circuit to at least one of said electrically energized valve opening means, and operable to de-energize at least one of said electrically energized valve opening means in one condition of operation of said cyclic timer and to energize said one electrically energized valve opening means during another condition of operation of said cyclic timer to efiect a spray rinse independently of said third cam operated switch.

5. In a fluid system, a pair of fluid supply conduits for delivering fluid at two different temperatures, a normally closed valve in each conduit, a first electrically energized means for opening one of said valves, 21 second electrically energized means for opening a second of said valves, an energizing circuit for each valve opening means including a sequence timer having separate cam operated switches for each of said electrically energized means, a temperature selecting member which, in one position, closes a circuit to one of said energizing circuits through an associated cam switch and in a second position closes a circuit to both of said electrically energizing means through two of said cam switches, another cam switch on said sequence timer connected with one of said electrically energized means for opening one of said valves at predetermined time intervals to efiect a spray rinse and .a manually operable switch having two separate contacts connected in said energizing circuit, one set of contacts deenergizing said electrically energized means for opening one of said valves in one condition of operation of said sequence timer and the other set of contacts establishing an energizing circuit to open said valve in another condition of operation of said sequence timer to efiect a spray rinse independently of said last mentioned cam switch on said sequence timer.

6. In a fluid supply system for washing machine of the type having a rotatable clothes container, electrically energized means for rotating said container, a pair of fluid supply conduits for delivering fluid at two different temperatures, a normally closed valve in each conduit, a common delivery conduit from said valves, a first electrically energized means for opening one of said valves, a second electrically energized means for opening a second one of said valves, an energizing circuit for each valve opening means, a cam operated switch in each energizing circuit, a temperature selecting member including a movable cam member which in. one position of said selecting member closes one of said cam switches and in a second position of said selecting member closes both of said cam switches, and in a third position of said selecting member closes the other of said cam switches, power supply conductors, a sequence timer including means for connecting said valve energizing circuits to said power supply conductors, said sequence timer also machine, said sequence timer having a cam operated switch therein connecting at least one of said electrically energized means in parallel with said means for eflecting rotation of said means for energizing said container rotating means to effect a spray rinse at predetermined times in the cycle of rotation of said container and a manually operable switch establishing a parallel circuit to at least one of said electrically energized means for opening one of said valves, and in series with said means for effecting rotation of said container, to eflect a spray rinse at any selected time during rotation of said container independently of said cam operated switch in said sequence timer.

7. In a fluid system for a washing machine of a type having a rotatable clothes container, electrically energized means for rotating said clothes container, a

pair of fluid supply conduits for delivering fluid at two different temperatures, a normally closed valve in each conduit, a first electrically energized means for opening one of said valves, a second electrically energized means for opening a second one of said valves, an energizing circuit for each valve opening means, a cam operated switch in each energizing circuit, a temperature selecting member including a movable cam member which in one position of said selecting member closes one of said cam switches, which in a second position of said selecting member closes both of said cam switches, and in a third position of said selecting member closes the other of said cam switches, power supply conductors, a sequence timer including means for connecting said valve energizing circuits to said power supply conductors at predetermined times in a cycle of operation of said machine, said sequence timer also including means for energizing said container rotating means at predetermined times in a cycle of operation, a third cam operated switch connecting at least one of said valve opening means in parallel with said container rotating means energizing circuit, said temperature selecting member also including a cam member which closes said third cam switch upon movement of said selecting member to a fourth position, whereby the basket may be flushed out after a cycle of automatic operation, and biasing means normally tending to move said temperatureselecting member away from said fourth position when said temperature-selecting member is disposed in said fourth position, whereby said temperature-selecting member is moved away from said fourth position when it is released by the operator.

8. In a fluid system, the combination comprising a pair of fluid supply conduits for fluids of different temperatures, electrically operable valves in said fluid supply conduits, a sequence timer, parallel control circuits for said valves through said sequence timer, a temperature selecting member having a movable cam switch in each of said parallel control circuits, a third cam switch in said sequence timer and connecting one of said valves in an energizing circuit through said sequence timer, said temperature selecting member being movable to any one of four positions to close respectively one or the other or both of said cam switches, whereby the flow of fluid is normally controlled by said sequence timer and the temperature of the fluid is controlled by the position of said temperature selecting member in each of its first three positions, whereby water from one of said supply conduits may be delivered by one of said valves upon closure of said cam switch on said sequence timer and movement of said temperature selecting member to said fourth position.

9. In an automatic washing, rinsing and drying machine having a tub, a rotatable clothes basket within said tub, an oscillatable agitator within said basket, a motor, transmission mechanism coupled to said motor for transmitting rotary motion of said basket, and oscillatory motion to said agitator, electrically energized control mechanism for connecting said basket to said transmission mechanism, electrically energized control mechanism for connecting said agitator to said transmission mechanism, a pump normally connected in driven engagement with said motor, means for disconnecting said pump from its driven engagement with said motor when said agitator control mechanism is energized, a liquid supply conduit leading to said tub, a normally closed valve in said supply conduit, electrically operable means for opening said valve, a cycling switch unit including means for sequentially energizing said control mechanisms and said valve opening means in accordance with a predetermined schedule of operation, and manually operable switch means establishing a parallel circuit to said valve opening means in series with said electrically energized control mechanism for connecting said basket to said transmission mechanism for selectively opening said valve while said basket control mechanism is energized, thereby to provide a spray rinse to said basket while said basket is centrifugally extracting liquid from any clothes contained therein.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Morrison July 22, 1952 

